A 20-year-old transgendered woman who says she came to San Francisco hoping "there would be more safety than [she] found," fell victim to a publicly witnessed hate crime that occurred on a busy Friday night near the 16th and Mission BART Plaza. According to KTVU the woman, who asked to be identified as Mia, says she was attacked by two men who verbally harassed her, grabbed her smartphone and then brutally beat her. One witness says she heard the two men saying things like "Oh, I hate men dressed up as women" before the violent attack that sent Mia to the hospital to be treated for cuts and bruises. At least one other witness trailed the two suspects, helping SFPD make a swift arrest.
The public beating was also captured by security cameras in the area and the two suspects have been charged with robbery, conspiracy and aggravated assault along with an additional hate crime allegation. They are scheduled to appear in court next Tuesday.
Mia told KTVU2 she doesn't want sympathy, only respect for transgender people. The LGBT Community has planned a rally at City Hall 16th and Mission (see update below) tonight at 6 p.m.
UPDATE: Although KTVU originally reported the rally was being held at City Hall this evening, SFAppeal and the Bay Area Reporter have mentioned that the rally has been moved to the 16th and Mission BART plaza. It happens tonight from 6 - 8 p.m. The BAR also has additional details on the two assailants who both have prior criminal records.
